Pentispa distincta

(Baly, 1886)

Pentispa distincta is a small leaf beetle in the Chrysomelidae, Cassidinae. measure 4.5-5.2 mm in length. The occurs in Texas (USA), Mexico, and Guatemala. Adults have been collected on Eupatorium azureum, though the specific food plant remains unknown.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Pentispa distincta: /pɛnˈtɪspa dɪˈstɪŋkta/

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Identification

Distinguished from related Cassidinae by the combination of: deeply sulcate vertex and front; transverse, produced with subangulate upper edge; nearly half body length; with coarsely punctured disc and fulvous submarginal vittae; with eight regular puncture rows and costate second, fourth, and sixth interspaces. The specific epithet "distincta" refers to its distinctive appearance among .

Habitat

Specific requirements unknown. collected on vegetation, suggesting association with herbaceous or shrubby plants in its range.

Distribution

United States (Texas), Mexico, and Guatemala.

Host Associations

  • Eupatorium azureum - collected onSpecific food plant unknown; this is a collection record, not confirmed plant.

Similar Taxa

  • Other Pentispa speciesCongeneric share general body plan and Cassidinae ; distinguished by specific elytral punctation and costation patterns, and clypeal structure.
  • Other ChalepiniTribe members share expanded covering body sides; Pentispa distinguished by sulcate vertex, produced , and specific elytral costation.

More Details

Taxonomic placement

Placed in tribe Chalepini, Cassidinae (tortoise beetles and allies), characterized by expanded that cover the sides of the body.

Data limitations

Only 4 observations recorded on iNaturalist as of source date. Biological and ecological data remain sparse for this .

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Sources and further reading